Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on October 1, 2014 To eliminate a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidy payments to some film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on higher subsidies based on very high compensation paid to a director, actors, etc. In the current fiscal year budget, up to $50 million in state tax revenues may be redistributed to film producers. Changes in the bill would have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of this money. Official Text and Analysis.

Referred to the Senate Economic Development Committee on October 1, 2014

Reported in the Senate on October 22, 2014 With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Amendment offered in the Senate on October 22, 2014 To increase subsidies for film work done at a Michigan "postproduction facility".

The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on October 22, 2014

Passed 32 to 4 in the Senate on October 22, 2014. See Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No".To eliminate a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidies for film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on giving larger subsidies that are based on very high compensation paid to well-known actors, directors, etc. which could have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of the total subsidy budget. Legislators previously authorized redistributing $50 million in state tax revenues to film producers through these subsidies in the current fiscal year. The Senate added a floor amendment that appears to give larger subsidies to films that use the Motown Motion Picture facility in Detroit for post-production work.

Received in the House on October 6, 2014

Referred to the House Commerce Committee on October 6, 2014

Reported in the House on November 13, 2014 With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Amendment offered by Rep. Frank Foster (R) on December 2, 2014 To establish that the proposed new subsidy allocation formula would apply to production agreements entered after Dec. 1, 2014. Also, to extend until 2022 a 2017 sunset on the subsidies.

The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on December 2, 2014

Passed 73 to 37 in the House on December 5, 2014. See Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No".To extend until 2022 a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidy payments to some film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on higher subsidies based on very high compensation paid to a director, actors, etc. In the current fiscal year budget, up to $50 million in state tax revenues may be redistributed to film producers. Changes in the bill would have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of this money, and making future "residual" income paid to members of a production taxable in Michigan.